“Not Entirely Straight”: Viggo Mortensen Opens Up About Identity, Love, and an Unusual Hollywood Bond

For decades, Viggo Mortensen has embodied the stoic, rugged hero in cinema. From Middle-earth’s sword-wielding Aragorn to conflicted men in David Cronenberg’s psychological thrillers, Mortensen has carved out a career of depth and intensity.

But behind his commanding screen presence lies a more nuanced story — one not of action scenes and accolades, but of identity, affection, and emotional truth.

Now 66, the actor is finally offering a glimpse into a deeply personal question that has long followed him: is he gay?

The speculation, which has trailed Mortensen for years, was reignited by affectionate public moments shared with his longtime collaborator and friend, director David Cronenberg.

From kisses on red carpets to emotional tributes, their bond has sparked headlines and whispers. In a recent interview, Mortensen addressed the matter with characteristic calm and clarity: “People ask if I’m gay or straight. I guess you could say I’m not entirely straight.”

It was a rare statement from a notoriously private actor. The occasion? Questions surrounding Falling, a film Mortensen wrote, directed, and starred in, portraying a gay man caring for his homophobic father.

Critics questioned whether Mortensen, presumed heterosexual, was the right choice for the role. His response was blunt: “How do you know what my life is? Maybe I am [straight], maybe I’m not. And it’s frankly none of your business.”

A Career Forged in Fire

Born in Watertown, New York, to a Danish father and American mother, Mortensen’s early life was anything but typical. He lived in Venezuela, Denmark, and Argentina before returning to the U.S. at age 11. A graduate of St. Lawrence University, he never intended to be an actor — initially working odd jobs in Denmark before turning to film.

His first on-screen appearance was cut from The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985), but Mortensen persevered. By 1997, he was starring opposite Demi Moore in G.I. Jane, delivering a performance that outshone the film itself.

Then came The Lord of the Rings, a role that transformed him into a global icon. Committed to his craft, Mortensen performed his own stunts, rode horses like a seasoned cowboy, and even broke toes during filming — all in the service of authenticity.

An Unusual Love Story in Hollywood

But it’s Mortensen’s off-screen connection with Cronenberg that has drawn as much attention as his blockbuster roles. The pair met at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival and went on to create some of the 21st century’s most daring films: A History of Violence (2005), Eastern Promises (2007), and A Dangerous Method (2011). Their chemistry was not just artistic — it was deeply personal.

The affection between them wasn’t subtle. At a 2006 press event, they shared a long, intimate kiss. In 2014, Mortensen presented Cronenberg with a lifetime achievement award — and kissed him again on stage in front of Hollywood elites.

He used the moment to criticize the film industry for overlooking Cronenberg’s genius. “David is not one of them,” Mortensen declared, referencing the Academy’s failure to ever nominate Cronenberg for an Oscar.

“We’re Professionals — And More”

Despite the rumors, both men maintain that their bond, while intensely affectionate, is grounded in deep respect and mutual creative trust. “We are professionals,” Cronenberg has said. “If Viggo offered me a project I didn’t connect with, I’d say no, and he’d do the same. That’s our respect — despite the tomfoolery we enjoy.”

Mortensen’s openness about the fluidity of his identity marks a rare moment of vulnerability from a man known for his enigmatic nature. His statement — “I’m not entirely straight” — wasn’t a coming out, but a reminder that identity isn’t always black and white.

It was also a pushback against Hollywood’s rigid expectations and the assumption that sexuality is public property.

Family and Personal Life

Mortensen’s personal life adds yet another layer to his complex identity. He married singer Exene Cervenka in 1987, with whom he had a son, Henry. The couple split in the 1990s. Since 2009, Mortensen has been in a relationship with Spanish actress Ariadna Gil.

Cronenberg, now 81, has had two marriages and one daughter. His second wife, Carolyn Zeifman, passed away in 2017.

Through it all, Mortensen has quietly defied Hollywood’s conventions — not only in the roles he chooses but in how he lives his truth. Whether romantic, platonic, or somewhere in between, his connection with Cronenberg is proof that love, respect, and identity rarely fit into neat boxes.

In Mortensen’s world, labels don’t matter. Connection does.